This time of year can be difficult for those of us living in colder, darker climates. At the outset of winter, the chilly temps and early sunset seem cozy, and hunkering down at home is appealing. But as the winter months drag on, my sentiment shifts. The lack of warmth and perpetual gray skies start to wear me down. I feel trapped inside my tiny NYC apartment, unable to face the harsh temperatures, but also unmotivated to be productive indoors. As January leads into February, I find myself yearning for sunshine. Call me when it’s spring!
Clearly, feeling a certain amount of withdrawal during this season is normal. Winter, in many ways, is a time for retreat and restoration. But when we cross over into feelings of sadness and negativity for prolonged periods of time, our health and well-being may be at stake.
In the context of Chinese medicine, the emotions are movements of energy within the body. They can contribute to both health and disease states. Ancient Chinese medical scholars emphasized the role of over-stimulation of the emotions in creating illness. The Seven Emotions (anger, joy, sadness, worry, pensiveness, fear, and shock) are considered a basis of disease when they are long lasting or very intense. Fluctuations of the seven emotions can impact the spirits of the Five Viscera (liver, heart, lung, spleen, and kidney), which can then lead to imbalance and all types of disease.
The emotions are seen as having an especially strong influence on the movement of Qi, which circulates, unifies, and maintains health in the whole body. The balanced movement of Qi within the body perpetuates health. The Qi dynamic in disharmony can cause irregularity in organ and bodily functions as well as mental symptoms. (And it works in reverse, too-internal issues/problems can lead us to experience specific emotions). Each one of the emotions has a particular effect on the circulation of Qi in the body.
For example, excessive anger can cause Qi to rise, while sadness over time can dissolve Qi, and extreme fear can cause Qi to descend. All of our emotions, in excess, can cause the Qi to stagnate or become stuck. Stuck Qi creates imbalance and can lead to other problems, including pain and discomfort. So any time the specific circulation/movement of Qi becomes blocked, physical or mental health problems will result.
Cultivating health and preventing disease can be closely linked to maintaining well-balanced and flowing Qi. This free flow of Qi is vital for the preservation of health. By protecting and nurturing our mind and emotional well-being we are protecting and nourishing our internal Qi dynamic. This time of year, when some of us have a tendency to feel down for prolonged periods, it’s especially important to keep our Qi balanced. Otherwise mood disorders may become more pronounced.
Sadness over time, will lead to lower energy, and could perpetuate a depressive state. If you tend toward nervousness, your energy can feel excessive or simply unbalanced, which, in turn, can cause anxious feelings to be more prevalent. This is where acupuncture comes in!
Acupuncture can help to regulate the circulation of Qi and blood. In this traditional model, rectifying a disturbance in the flow of Qi allows the body to eliminate most symptoms. A more balanced and functional Qi circulation, along with a whole foods diet, exercise, and other habits, will help maintain overall health, both physical and mental. Scientific research is confirming that the well-being of the mind is intimately connected with that of the body. Ultimately, nourishing the mind benefits the body, and safeguarding the body protects the spirit.
Acupuncture can play a significant role in a more holistic concept of health, by helping us to regulate Qi, strengthen the nervous system, and balance emotion. Keeping regular acupuncture treatments will help you to stay balanced mentally, emotionally, and physically during this winter season!
– by Laura Perry, licensed acupuncturist